Ventura County Fusion holding tryouts

The Ventura County Fusion, a Premier Development League team from the United Soccer League, will soon hold its opening round of tryouts for the 2008 season.

Three tryout sessions will take place at the Ventura College SportsPlex at 4667 Telegraph Road in Ventura.

Sessions one and two will be held Sat., Dec. 22, with session one from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., and session two from 1 to 3 p.m. Session three will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sun., Dec. 23.

Interested participants must complete an application and pay a nonrefundable $50 registration fee due by Wed., Dec. 19.

The USL's Premier Development League is a training ground for up-and-comers in the sport and a stepping stone to the major leagues.

In their inaugural season, the Fusion was undefeated at home and played exhibition games against the L.A. Galaxy and the English Premiership League's Everton Football Club.

As a result of the team's success, and affiliations of the Fusion's coaching and management team, six players were given the opportunity to train and try out with international teams, including the Everton and Bolton Football Clubs of the English Premiership League, Norway's Viking Stavanger, Portugal's Sporting Lisbon and Walsall of English League One.

Four players from the Fusion are being scouted for the 2008 MLS draft.

"This is an ideal opportunity for a young player who aspires to make soccer his career by demonstrating to the Fusion coaching staff just what he can do," Fusion head coach Graham Smith said.

"We ensure that each player is given the right environment in which to promote themselves. There is an exchange of information between the coaching staff and each player before, during and after the trial period. Throughout the process, it is conveyed what is expected of them, what they're good at and how we feel they should improve. The assessments are honest and direct, to help each player move forward."

Open to athletes ages 16 and up, tryouts are on a first come, first served basis with only 60 players allowed per round.

Younger players participating in the tryouts will also be considered for the Ventura County Fusion's Super 20 National League and the U19 National Cup teams.

The second round of tryouts will take place Jan. 13 and 14. The third round is slated for Feb. 16 and 17. Applications and instructions are available at www.venturacountyfusion.com.

For more information, email tryouts@vcfusion.com, or call (805) 256 0925.